Health professionals recommend using masks, practising greater cleanliness, and getting a flu vaccination because of the H3N2 virus

Health officials advised people to take precautions including using masks, practicing improved hand hygiene, and getting an annual flu vaccination on Monday despite the fact that India is seeing an increase in influenza infections brought on by the H3N2 virus.

According to the most recent information available on IDSP-IHIP, 3,038 lab-confirmed cases of different influenza subtypes, including H3N2, have been reported by the states as of March 9. (Integrated Health Information Platform).

This includes 486 instances up to March 9 and 1,245 cases in January, 1,307 cases in February.

"In my view, the government may reinstate the need for masks temporarily, at least in really sensitive areas like public transportation, hospitals, airports, train stations, and other modes of public transportation. Individuals should stay away from crowded areas or wear masks anytime they are out in public, Dr. Sunil Sekri of Max Hospital in Gurugram told IANS.

According to Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman of the Indian Medical Association's National Covid-19 Task Force, the respiratory virus "spreads through droplets, so which means that the secretions can spread from person to person, and most people touch their nose and mouth at some point, or that secretions can remain on the fingers and when they shake hands with other people," it can likely spread. He made a case for the need of masks particularly in crowded indoor gatherings.

The seasonal Victoria and Yamagata lineages of influenza B viruses, as well as the Covid-19 virus, swine flu (H1N1), and H3N2 have all been in circulation, according to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Both the H3N2 and the H3N1 influenza A viruses are what people often refer to as the flu.

The most typical signs and symptoms are a persistent fever, cough, runny nose, and body aches. Nevertheless, patients may also feel wheezing and/or dyspnea in more severe situations.

In the meanwhile, 524 daily Covid cases were recorded on Sunday, marking the first increase in the virus in four months.

"During the last three years, we have learnt how to avoid respiratory infections. You must conceal this region since infections may exit via the mouth and enter through the nose. Appropriate masks are required, especially in crowded areas, according to infectious disease specialist Dr. Iswar Gilada.

He said that masking was crucial, especially for those with comorbid conditions and the family members of those hosting such individuals in their homes.

To reduce the risk of illness, the doctors advised individuals to wash their hands with soap or sanitizer before using any public transportation or eating.

Another option is being vaccinated against the flu every year to strengthen immunity. This is due to the fact that "an influenza vaccination you received last year may not necessarily protect against the influenza virus that may emerge next year or the year after. According to Dr. Jayadevan, it will provide you with some basic protection, although it may not be the greatest protection.

Antibiotics should not be used to treat the flu, according to specialists, since they only work against bacteria, not viruses.

"Viral infections like influenza or Covid-19 cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics, not viruses, are intended to target and eradicate bacteria. If a bacterial infection is suspected or if a subsequent bacterial infection—such as pneumonia—develops as a consequence of a viral sickness, antibiotics may sometimes be recommended, according to Dr. Laxman Jessani of Apollo Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, who specializes in infectious diseases.

To help stop the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Jessani said, it is crucial to use antibiotics sparingly and only when absolutely required.